YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!   You all rock!  I mean it!!!  I have been doing this Comments for a Cause for 3 months now and each month I have gotten more comments.  My promise is to donate 50 cents for each valid comment on my blog throughout the month . Now if you are a blogger you know about “non-legitimate” comments.  Those are ones that either say “my cousin sent me to your site” or “right on, man.  You nailed this one” or other such gobbley gook!  But this month I had a total of 210 comments on my blog so a total of $105.oo will be winging its way to Meals on Wheels!!! What a great thing that is!!  If you figure an average meal costs $5 each that will be……yea—about 21 meals provided!!!  Yippee!!!!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

And now what you all have been waiting for!!!!   For July’s charity I will donate 50 cents for each legitimate comment to the National Down Syndrome Society!!!  (www.ndss.org) As many of you know I have a brother in law–Carlton–who has Down Syndrome.  One of the fondest memories I have of Carlton was the first time I met him.  He was 9  years old when Chris took me home to meet the family for the first time.  He neglected to tell me that I was going to meet the ENTIRE family—-grandparents, siblings, aunts, etc.  Well, on a trip in the car during this event time Carlton proceeded to “marry” us in the backseat complete with “Kiss the bride” !  I guess he knew early on that it was going to work!!   Carlton is the life of the party and loves all things “Grease” and “Power Rangers” and “Dynasty”.  There is never a dull moment when he is around and I am thrilled to honor him by making a donation to the National Down Syndrome Society in July .

Carlton and Chris and friend at Sam’s Club where Carlton works !!!

So comment like crazy—-I love them and I love ya’ll for showing up to the comment party!  And to let you know a few facts here they are taken from the National Down Syndrome Society website:  (Oh and YOU ARE WELCOME for the song headache today!  )

• Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

• Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 691 babies is born with Down syndrome.

• There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.

• Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.

• The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.

• People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer’s disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.

• A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.

• Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades – from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.

• People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.

• All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.

• Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

• Researchers are making great strides in identifying the genes on Chromosome 21 that cause the characteristics of Down syndrome. Many feel strongly that it will be possible to improve, correct or prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future.